Congratulations on your new construction home in the Houston area! As a new homeowner in communities like Katy, Cypress, Brookshire, or Conroe, understanding your HVAC warranty coverage is crucial to protecting your investment and ensuring years of comfortable living.

Most new homeowners receive warranty documents at closing but never fully understand what's covered, for how long, and what steps they need to take to maintain coverage. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about HVAC warranties for new construction homes in Texas.

Types of HVAC Warranties

Your new construction HVAC system comes with multiple layers of warranty protection. Understanding each type helps you know who to call when issues arise and ensures you don't accidentally void your coverage.

Builder vs Manufacturer Warranties

Builder Warranty Coverage

Your builder's warranty covers the installation and integration of your HVAC system with your home. This includes:

• Proper sizing and load calculations
• Ductwork installation and sealing
• Thermostat wiring and programming
• System balancing and airflow
• Integration with home's electrical and gas systems

Manufacturer Warranty Coverage

The equipment manufacturer (brands like Carrier, Trane, Lennox, or Rheem) warrants the actual HVAC components:

• Compressor (often 10-year coverage)
• Heat exchanger (5-10 years typically)
• All other parts (usually 5 years)
• Labor costs (varies, often 1-2 years)

Texas HB 2110 Law Explained

Texas House Bill 2110, effective September 1, 2021, provides important protection for homeowners regarding HVAC warranty transfers. This law is particularly relevant if you sell your home before the manufacturer warranty expires.

What HB 2110 Does

The law mandates that manufacturer warranties for air conditioning systems automatically transfer to new homeowners when the property is sold, as long as the HVAC system conveys with the home as a fixture.

Key Benefits

• Automatic Transfer: No paperwork or fees required
• No Warranty Gaps: Coverage continues seamlessly
• Full Term Protection: New owner gets remaining warranty period
• Increased Home Value: Transferable warranties add selling points

How to Protect Your Coverage

During the First Year

Your builder warranty is your primary protection during the first 1-2 years. Here's how to maximize this coverage:

• Document Everything: Keep photos and written records of any HVAC issues
• Use Builder's Preferred Contractors: Going outside their network may void coverage
• Report Issues Promptly: Don't wait until just before warranty expires
• Understand Response Times: HVAC issues typically get priority service

Maintenance Requirements

Both builder and manufacturer warranties require proper maintenance. Failure to maintain your system can void coverage entirely.

Filter Maintenance in Houston Climate

Houston's humid climate and frequent construction activity in growing suburbs like Cypress and Katy means your filters work harder than average. During peak summer months, check filters monthly and replace as needed. A dirty filter is the #1 cause of warranty-voiding maintenance issues.

Common Warranty Mistakes

1. Not Registering Manufacturer Warranty

Many homeowners assume their builder registered the equipment warranty. Always verify this happened and keep confirmation documents.

2. DIY Repairs

Any work performed by unlicensed individuals can void both builder and manufacturer warranties. Even simple tasks like thermostat replacement should be done by licensed professionals during warranty periods.

3. Skipping Annual Maintenance

Missing annual professional maintenance is the fastest way to void warranty coverage. Budget $150-300 annually for professional service.

4. Not Understanding Coverage Periods

Different components have different warranty periods. Keep a calendar noting when various coverages expire.

5. Improper Documentation

When issues arise, take photos, keep written records, and save all correspondence. Poor documentation can lead to denied warranty claims.

Your Warranty Protection Checklist

Professional HVAC Support in Houston's Growing Communities

As Houston's northwest suburbs continue their rapid growth, having a trusted HVAC partner who understands new construction systems becomes increasingly important. Whether you're in a new Brookshire development, a master-planned community in Katy, or one of the expanding neighborhoods in Conroe, proper warranty management and system care protect your investment and ensure comfortable living.

Remember that warranty coverage is just one part of responsible HVAC ownership. Regular maintenance, prompt attention to issues, and working with qualified professionals will keep your system running efficiently long after all warranties expire.